Pediatric & Adolescent Psychiatry
Expert mental health care for children and teens
Northern Lights Psychiatry provides compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care for children and adolescents — helping young people thrive at home, in school, and in life.
Children (Ages 6–11)
Evaluation and treatment for ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and behavioral challenges in school-age children. We work closely with parents and teachers.
Adolescents (Ages 12–17)
Comprehensive psychiatric care for teens navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, identity, and the pressures of adolescence.
Young Adults (Ages 18–25)
Transitional care for young adults moving from pediatric to adult mental health services, with continuity and support through major life changes.
Our Philosophy
Children deserve specialized mental health care
Young minds are not simply small adult minds. Children and adolescents experience mental health challenges in ways that are shaped by development, family, school, and social environment. Our providers are trained to evaluate and treat pediatric mental health conditions with age-appropriate, family-centered approaches that respect the whole child.
Conditions We Treat
Comprehensive care for young minds
ADHD
Comprehensive evaluation and medication management for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and teens, with coordination with schools and families.
Anxiety Disorders
Treatment for generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, and school refusal — conditions that are among the most common in childhood.
Depression
Evaluation and treatment for childhood and adolescent depression, including medication management and coordination with therapists.
Trauma & PTSD
Trauma-informed care for children and teens who have experienced adverse events, abuse, or loss.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Psychiatric support for children and adolescents with ASD, including co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders.
Behavioral & Mood Disorders
Assessment and treatment for oppositional defiant disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, and other behavioral challenges.
Documentation
For Parents & Teachers
The Vanderbilt Assessment Scales are standardized rating tools used to help evaluate ADHD and related behavioral concerns in school-age children. Both parent and teacher versions are available — initial forms are completed at the start of an evaluation, and follow-up forms track progress after treatment begins.
Vanderbilt Rating Scale — Parent — Initial
Completed by a parent or guardian at the start of an ADHD evaluation. Covers attention, hyperactivity, and behavioral symptoms.
Vanderbilt Rating Scale — Parent — Follow Up
Completed by a parent or guardian after treatment has begun. Tracks symptom changes and medication response over time.
Vanderbilt Rating Scale — Teacher — Initial
Completed by a classroom teacher at the start of an evaluation. Captures attention, behavior, and academic performance at school.
Vanderbilt Rating Scale — Teacher — Follow Up
Completed by a classroom teacher after treatment begins. Monitors ongoing symptom improvement and classroom functioning.
For teachers: Please ask the parent or guardian to provide your completed form directly to our office, or call us at (603) 718-3939 with any questions.
Our Approach
Family-centered, developmentally informed care
We involve parents and caregivers as active partners in treatment. Our evaluations consider the child's full developmental history, school functioning, family dynamics, and social environment. Treatment plans are tailored to the child's age and needs and may include medication management, therapy referrals, and school coordination.
What sets our care apart
Parents and caregivers included as partners in care
Coordination with schools, pediatricians, and therapists
Developmentally appropriate evaluation and treatment
Telehealth available throughout New Hampshire
Serving children ages 6 and up through young adulthood
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Quick Reference
Helpful Phone Numbers
Resources
Helpful Links for Children & Parents
A curated collection of trusted New Hampshire and national resources to support your child's health, safety, education, and development.
NH Crisis & Rapid Response
NH Rapid Response Access Point
Free 24/7 NH crisis line for children and families. Call or text 833-710-6477, or chat online.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential 24/7 support for people in suicidal crisis or mental health distress. Call or text 988.
NH Children's Behavioral Health Resource Center
Official NH hub linking families to mental health services, supports, and evidence-based treatments by tier.
Mental Health & Advocacy
NH Parent Information Center
Free training, workshops, and advocacy support for NH families of children with disabilities and special education needs.
Children's Mental Health (DHHS)
NH DHHS Bureau for Children's Behavioral Health — programs, services, and community-based supports.
NH Office of Child Advocate
Independent state office providing oversight and resources for child welfare in New Hampshire.
NAMI Basics (Free Family Education)
Free NAMI education series for parents and caregivers of youth with mental health conditions — in-person or self-paced online.
NAMI New Hampshire
Local NH chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness — support groups, education, and advocacy statewide.
Child Mind Institute
Expert guides on childhood mental health and learning disorders — symptoms, treatments, and how to find help.
Education & School Support
Khan Academy
Free, world-class K–12 education — math, science, reading, and test prep for every grade level.
NH Department of Education
Official NH DOE resources for families — special education rights, school programs, and student support services.
Understood.org
Expert resources for parents of children with learning and thinking differences including ADHD and dyslexia.
Reading Rockets
Free literacy strategies, lessons, and activities to help children learn to read and read to learn.
Starfall (Early Literacy)
Free phonics and early reading program for PreK–2nd grade — used in classrooms and at home.
NH Special Education Resources (PIC)
Sample letters, IEP guides, and step-by-step tools for navigating the NH special education process.
Safety & Product Recalls
Product Recall (CPSC)
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — search active recalls and report unsafe products.
Car Seat Recommendations (AAP)
American Academy of Pediatrics guidance on choosing and correctly installing the right car seat by age.
Safe Kids Worldwide
Research-based child safety tips covering home, road, sports, and water safety for every age.
NH Child Passenger Safety
NH-specific car seat inspection stations, laws, and resources from the NH Department of Safety.
Health & Nutrition
HealthyChildren.org (AAP)
Official American Academy of Pediatrics resource for parents — child health, development, and safety guidance.
Preventive Care Schedule (AAP)
AAP periodicity schedule — recommended well-child visits, screenings, and immunizations by age.
Breastfeeding Information (LLLI)
La Leche League International — evidence-based breastfeeding support, resources, and local group finder.
MyPlate (USDA)
USDA guidance on balanced nutrition and healthy meal planning for children and families.
Nutritional Planning (CalorieKing)
Comprehensive food and nutrition database to support healthy eating habits and meal planning.
NH WIC Program
NH Women, Infants & Children program — nutrition support, healthy food benefits, and breastfeeding help.
Free Learning & Development Tools
CDC Developmental Milestones
Free "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestone tracker and checklists for children from 2 months to 5 years.
Zero to Three
Expert resources on infant and toddler brain development, behavior, and early learning for parents.
PBS Kids for Parents
Free child development articles, activities, and learning games aligned to developmental stages.
Sesame Street in Communities
Free bilingual resources for early childhood — social-emotional learning, trauma support, and family activities.
NH Early Childhood (DHHS)
NH Birth to 3 early supports and services — family-centered early intervention for children with developmental needs.
Nemours KidsHealth
Doctor-reviewed health information for parents, kids, and teens — conditions, emotions, and healthy habits.
SplashLearn
Free and premium math and reading games for PreK–Grade 5 — curriculum-aligned, self-paced, and fun for kids.
Food & Clothing Assistance
NH Public Aid — Clothing Resources
Directory of free and low-cost clothing assistance programs across New Hampshire for families in need.
NOFA-NH Food Access Resources
Northeast Organic Farming Association of NH — local food access programs, farm shares, and community food resources.
NH Food Bank — Find Food Near You
Interactive map of food pantries, meal sites, and emergency food resources throughout New Hampshire.
NH DHHS Food & Meals Assistance
Official NH DHHS programs including SNAP, WIC, school meals, and other food assistance for families.
Dial 2-1-1 or search 211nh.org for free, confidential help connecting to local resources 24/7.
Ready to Get Started?
Help your child find their footing
Reach out to schedule an evaluation. We'll walk you through the process and match your child with the right provider.